Detroit Lions: 3 free agent corners who could bolster the secondary
By Bob Heyrman
The Detroit Lions should take a flier on corner Trumaine Johnson. Roberts and Johnson were the starting outside corners last season for the New York Jets. After bringing in Roberts, why not try and add the more proven Johnson as well?
Johnson was a stud corner for the Rams from 2012-2017, where he was considered one of the leagues’ top performers at his position. Johnson is a turnover creating machine; his ball-hawking skills have earned him 23 career interceptions. In 2015, Johnson earned a career-high seven interceptions.
The New York Jets signed the top corner to a lucrative five-year $72.5-million deal. Tensions proved to be high between the Jets coaching staff and Johnson, leading to his benching by head coach Adam Gase. Injuries also played a role in Johnson’s inability to remain productive on the football field. The Johnson experiment in New York lasted just 17 games over two years before being released.
In year one, Johnson snatched four interceptions and allowed two touchdowns. Last season he only corralled a mere one interception while allowing just one touchdown but also yielded a career-worst 76% completion against.
Trumaine is likely seeking an opportunity to be a starting corner right from day one in hopes of rejuvenating his career at 30-years old. In Detroit’s case, the Lions won’t be able to guarantee that to the one-time spectacular playmaker. Johnson would be forced to earn his starting role by beating out one of Trufant or Okudah.
The 6-foot-2 talented corner is the definition of an outside corner. He’s talented enough to try and lure to the Detroit Lions in a depth role, with an opportunity to win a starting gig. However, Johnson will likely opt to play elsewhere that shouldn’t deter Lions management from at least kicking the tires on his services.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), over Johnson’s eight-year NFL career has yet to eclipse an overall grade of 80.0.